Frank Sinatra: Always

During his excellent Desert Island Death Discs evening at the Southbank Centre, Paul Gambaccini interspersed the ten most popular funeral songs with his personal favourites.  We hope Paul, much admired by My Last Song, doesn’t mind that we've chosen five of his own choices for you to hear, and if suitable, select for your final event.

Always: Frank Sinatra

Paul Gambaccini selected this verse from the brilliant Sinatra song: ‘Days may not be fair, always/That's when I'll be there, always/Not for just an hour, not just a day/Not for just one year but always.’ as they express the emotions of a bereaved loved one for the person whose funeral they are attending.

It Was A Very Good Year: Frank Sinatra

A wonderfully nostalgic song looking back on a colourful, romantic life.

Keep Me In Your Heart: Warren Zevon

Written and sung by Warren when he knew he was going to die of cancer. It is very emotional, without being tacky or overly sentimental.

Sand And Water: Beth Nielsen Chapman

Paul Gambaccini rightly believes this sad tribute to her late husband by singer songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman should be better known and more popular as a funeral song, for it expresses her emotions following the death of her husband.

Jim, I Wore A Tie Today: Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash and an acoustic guitar. Simple and so moving…Paul Gambaccini said he wouldn’t choose this as one of his funeral songs because everyone would be crying.